The Ultimate Study Abroad Packing List

If you’re studying abroad this semester, you’re about to face the ultimate challenge before you even board the plane: packing everything you need to live in a different country in one suitcase. You may freak out a bit as you figure out what to bring, what to leave and what’s actually essential.

Take a deep breath, collegiettes—we’re here to help! Before you rush to the airport, use this checklist to ensure that you have everything you need for your new home away from home.

Mini shampoo & conditioner (until you get the chance to get full-sized bottles in your new country)

Mouthwash (small)

Soap (mini bottle if you're using body wash)

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Supplies

Tip: Because of the voltage differences in many electronic products, you may want to wait until you’re in your host country to buy items such as a blow dryer or hair straightener—plugging an American hair dryer into an outlet converter could overheat and break it.

Bobby pins

Comb

Contacts, solution and case (again, make sure you have all the contacts you'll need for your time abroad)

Glasses and glasses case

Hair ties

Hairbrush

Headbands

Nail clipper

Razor(s)

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Tampons and pads

Tweezers

Laundry

You will likely have the opportunity to do laundry on your trip, and you'll be able to purchase detergent in your host country.

Downy Wrinkle Release spray

Linens/towels (if your housing doesn’t have them)

Portable stain remover pen

Travel sheet (for hostels)

Clothing

Tip: Mixing and matching outfits and layering saves a ton of space in your suitcase! Make sure you check the predicted weather of the country you’re traveling to so you can dress appropriately. Don’t bring anything you’d be devastated to see ruined!

Athletic sneakers (1)

Bathing suits (1-2)

Boots (1-2)

Bras (2 sports bras, 2 regular bras, 1 strapless/convertible bras)

Casual dresses (2)

Everyday comfortable shoes (1-2)

Flats (1)

Flip-flops (1)

Formal outfit (1-2)

Gloves (1, if weather appropriate)

Going-out outfit (3-5)

Hat (1)

Heavier coat for colder climates (1)

Heels (1-2)

Jacket (2; a light one and one for colder weather, if applicable)

Jeans (2, one black & one blue)

Jewelry (remember that bringing jewelry to another country is always a risk; don’t bring anything too valuable!)

Leggings (1-3)

Long-sleeve shirts (3-5)

Pajamas (2-3)

Pants (1-2 nice pairs)

Purse (1-2)

Raincoat (1)

Scarf (1)

Short-sleeve shirts (5-7)

Shorts (2-4, if weather appropriate)

Skirts (1-2)

Socks (14)

Sweaters (3-5)

Sweatshirt (2)

T-shirts (3-5)

Tank tops (3-5)

Underwear (14)

Watch (1)

Workout clothes (2-5)

Electronics

Remember that most of your electronic items will need an outlet converter in order to work!

Camera (remember your case and USB cords)

Cell phone (keep in mind that you’ll be able to buy an international phone when you arrive at your destination)

Chargers (laptop, phone, camera, e-reader, etc.)

Flash drive

iPod

Laptop

Laptop case

Outlet adapters (2-3)

USB cable

Medical

Tip: Remember to check if the medications you take are legal in the country that you’re going to by contacting the country’s embassy. Some over-the-counter medications are illegal outside of the United States.

Adhesive bandages

Allergy medicine

Birth control

Cold and flu medicine

Eye drops

Motion sickness medicine

Over-the-counter pain medicine

Vitamins

Miscellaneous

Backpack (small)

Gift for your host family (bring something that they couldn’t get in their own country, like memorabilia from your hometown)

Kasia (pronounced "Kasha") recently graduated from Villanova University where she studied Communication. She's a self-proclaimed Pinterest enthusiast, aspiring writer, avid reader, and constant smiler. Besides writing for HC, you can find her practicing yoga or curling up with a book at a coffee shop. She plans to pursue a career in public relations or journalism, where she can live in a city and decorate her own apartment. Follow her on Twitter or check out her blog!